Run for Courage race on Oct. 8

The second annual Run For Courage 5/10K race will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, in Folsom.

Around the globe, millions of children suffer at the hands of captors and abusers in the $32 billion-plus “industry” known as sex trafficking. In the United States officials estimate that as many as 300,000 children are trafficked each year. California is the only state that has three cities with a high incidence of child sex trafficking.

One member of the Run For Courage team, Vicki Zito, personally experienced the reality of this heinous crime. Her daughter was taken from a local grocery store and sold for sex by a trafficker for eight days before being rescued by the FBI

During the spring 2010 a group of 11 friends joined together to raise awareness and money for the restoration of minor victims of sex trafficking. They planned a 5/10K race called Run For Courage. With the support of 726 participants, countless volunteers and many generous sponsors/contributors the first Run For Courage event last fall raised $41,000. Proceeds were donated to a local non-profit organization building a safe home for minor victims of sex trafficking, a home where young girls could begin the process of healing from their traumatic experiences.

Run For Courage Inc. recently obtained 501(c)(3) status, becoming a non-profit corporation. RFC attacks the crime of sex trafficking in several ways. First, is employs the members’ experience and talents to put on large-scale events with participants and corporate sponsors. Second, the group raises money for two types of organizations: 1) those that raise the level of global awareness; and 2) those organizations that provide direct services that help restore victims.

Proceeds from the events are distributed to multiple organizations, programs, residential facilities, or homes that have been carefully evaluated and monitored.

Those interested in participating in this year’s Run For Courage or for more information about the organization visit runforcourage.org